With amateur drone usage on the rise and drone-generated YouTube videos commanding top advertising dollars, do you think the U.S. National Park's maximum fine of $5,000 and six months in jail will discourage drone users from buzzing the quiet solitude of our national treasures?

I hope so. I have been at national parks, state parks and beaches where noisy and intrusive drones have destroyed any sense of peace.

— Paul Krissel, Salem

How about scheduling specific "Drone Days" with participation fees? Drones are here to stay. Most drone operators are respectful. Like all things, it is the small percentage that ruin it for everyone by ignoring laws, rules and common decency. Drones give us a view of the world that was unreachable 5 years ago. I'd rather fine cigarette smokers $5,000.00 for ruining everyone's day at the park.

— Kimberlee McDermott, Silverton

Are we also going to ban, fine and jail users of balloons, bottle rockets, fireworks, gliders, hot air balloons, parachutes, self made copters/planes, wing suits, etc.? Unless someone is buzzing an armed Predator or Reaper UAV, what's the big deal? So, what, a hiker may hear or see a drone at the exact time of their visit and their day is ruined? We must embrace shared air space and technology.

— Greg Machado, Salem

No drones in any of the parks at all. Ban all drones from the parks. The fine and jail sentence unless enforced is useless. As are all the laws. I see cell phone usage daily driving in Salem and on the highways. Laws have to be enforced to be of use. Look at our so called leaders in government. anti trust laws, civil rights laws. etc. Enforce the laws. Follow the rule of law.

— Ann Watters RPE, BCPP, Salem

Not really: Fines and penalties are just like fences -- all they do is keep the honest person honest. Criminals could care less -- that is why they are criminals.

— Kent Wilson, Salem

These little devices open a Pandora's box of trouble. While I'm sure they are fun to use, and I love OPB's use of them for the Oregon Revealed series, thoughtless, reckless and selfish use of them will lead to problems with trespassing, invasion of privacy, and disturbance of wildlife, wilderness and quality of life. Drones need to be registered and users need to be licensed and educated.

— Carol Odenweller, Salem

It would certainly discourage me. But there are always those who are up for a challenge or figure they won't get caught. I think it needs to be out there as to how many people are being caught and fined. Hopefully, that would be a wake-up call to say that this is not to be taken lightly.

— Emily Duerfeldt, McMinnville

The max penalties elevate flying drones to criminal status. Given that signs are displayed in the park and should be well known to all, enforcement action should result in forfeit of the drone, a fine similar to a traffic violation and the banning of the violators for a period of one year. Did those "do not remove under penalty of law" tags on pillows ever stop anyone? So, let's get realistic.

— Dwight D. Courtney, Salem

Aircraft, including drones, should be licensed if flying over property other than the operator's. Publishing a photo for advertising revenue should be illegal if the photo is illegally obtained.

— Wally Gutzler, Woodburn

This issue comes under the same law enforcement probabilities as any other law or rule.There are people that are deterred by the threat of arrest or fine; people that ignore them regardless; and people that push the envelope. Drones are nothing unusual with the exception that it takes some skill to fly them.

— Lew Hundley, Salem

The word itself inspires the appropriate punishment. To drone means to talk in a persistently dull or monotonous tone. When caught, offenders must sit through a week-long lecture series on why drone usage needs to be regulated and complied with. This idea emerged from my background as a former professor: I have meted out through lectures more than my share of punishment.

— David Haber, Salem

Why not just compound fees? Money speaks louder than rules.

— Brit McGinnis, Portland

As long as no one's privacy is violated, I see no issue with drone use at Crater Lake Park. What a wonderful way for disabled people to see areas of the park that were previously hidden from their view.

— Dr. Karen Franke, Turner

Funny, I heard the sanctuary state government is giving drones away to non citizens to help them feel welcome. And, of course, having the taxpayers pay for it. This way, the State can give it to them, and the Feds can take it away. It's a win win.

— Tony Weaver, Woodburn

Making rules is often easier than enforcing rules. I don’t have confidence in our legal system to impose and actually collect fines. Given crowded jails and the expense of incarceration, I doubt drone violators will serve much jail time. Immediate confiscation of drones and controllers may be a more effective deterrent.

— Richard Pine, Salem

One can only hope. But the fines and jail term will only work if they are enforced. Signage and handouts at public entrances to our national parks and monuments should be considered. I remember having my vehicle searched for artifacts when leaving Petrified Forest National Park. Are we going to have to search vehicles entering our parks, now?

— Joe Koubek, Dallas

I, myself, do not want the constant buzz of drones in our parks. However, perhaps there should be a permit one could apply for as to when, where, and how long a drone could be used. Like applications to drive your private vehicle in Denali National Park, the permits would be drastically limited in number and chosen by lottery.

— Thomas P. Krise, SALEM

Six months in jail and a $5,000 fine seem a sufficient deterrent. Maybe even a bit steep for simply being inconsiderate. Perhaps, if appropriate, menacing and harassment charges would additionally be justified. However, if there is an apparent profit motive, then the penalty should include a loss of the monetary gain.

— Ernest Kirchner, Salem

Probably not. Just like all these guns laws are going to keep dishonest people from buying and using them. Not. People, if they want to do something, no law will stop them. Just like using a cell phone while driving, yeah right. Do you really think they are going to stop doing it? What a joke these laws are unless you really enforce them. Which I don't see happening.

— DeWayne Wilson, Hubbard

Want to have your say?

Interested in joining our crew of Rapid Responders? Email Opinions Editor Carol McAlice Currie at ccurrie@statesmanjournal.com with your full legal name, address, telephone number and email address. All applications are vetted for authenticity. Each Thursday afternoon we submit a question to the members of the Rapid Response team. They have until noon Friday to submit a response. All responses are published Saturday afternoon at StatesmanJournal.com; some are printed in the Sunday newspaper